DUDLEY, UK -- After an epic 48-hour five-a-side football match, the players from the Halesowen headquarters of a nationwide Christian group (Youth for Christ) broke the Guinness world record of 42 hours by five hours at the Goals Soccer Centre in Dudley and set the new world record for the Longest longest marathon playing five-a-side football (soccer),
according to the World Record Academy: www.worldrecordacademy.com/. Photo: Staff from Youth for Christ broke the Guinness world record of 42 hours by five hours at the Goals Soccer Centre in Dudley. (enlarge photo)

The Guinness world record for the longest marathon playing five-a-side football (soccer) is 43 hours achieved by the Yorkshire Heli Heroes & Wicko Teachers (United Kingdom) at Wickersley Sports College in Rotherham, South Yorkshire, United Kingdom.

Guinness World Records also recognized the world record for the longest marathon playing football, which lasted for 62 hours and was played between AAC and Olympia (both Netherlands) at Sportpark de Polenkamp, in Horssen, Netherlands.

Staff from Youth for Christ broke the Guinness world record of 42 hours by five hours at the Goals Soccer Centre in Dudley.

They also netted more than £52,000 for the organisation - beating their target of £48,000 - with sponsorship from supporters around the country, according to the Halesowen News.

Communications manager Tim Adams said: "It was fantastic. The players are extremely tired having only had about an hour's sleep each in 48 hours.

"It was like a military operation when they had breaks, having to fit in eating and kit washes, but nobody had to stop, which was amazing. There were a few minor injuries but nothing substantial."

Mr Adams said the aim was to raise awareness about the group and the funds raised will be used to further its work among young people.